Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Opening: True Food Kitchen

The Mosaic District has a new
restaurant: True Food Kitchen. True Food Kitchen is a rapidly expanding brand –
this is their 10th location – that serves globally inspired cuisine
and regional, seasonal foods in an upscale, green environment. True Food
Kitchen’s menu is based on the principles of Dr. Andrew Weil’s
anti-inflammatory diet and their menu includes starters, salads, sandwiches,
entrees, cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, desserts.

Determined to reach a food- and
health-conscious audience, True Food Kitchen’s menu is tailored to specific
dietary restrictions and allergies; offers a wide selection of vegan, vegetarian,
organic, and gluten-free options; and even options for those following Paleo or
Mediterranean-based diets. True Food Kitchen also offers grass-fed beef,
sustainably raised fish and organic milk, butter and select produce (the “dirty
dozen”). I sometimes find that food at places with “healthier” ambitions
sometimes falls short; I had the opportunity to visit True Food Kitchen a few
days before it opened and am pleased to say this was not the case at all – I
left completely satisfied.

It’s rare that I debate between
non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks to begin my meal, but I admit I was quite
tempted by the “Natural Refreshments” section. This non-alcoholic beverage
section of the menu features creative concoctions such as the Cucumber
Refresher (Cucumber and Honey Lemonade) and the Hangover RX (Cocunut Water,
Pineapple, Vanilla, and Orange Juice). However, in the end I did choose to
sample several of True Food Kitchen’s creative cocktails, beginning my meal
with the Cucumber Martini (Ketel One Vodka, St. Germain, pineapple, and
cucumber). The cocktail was refreshing
and sweet and kicked off my meal perfectly.

To start, I ordered the
Caramelized Onion Tart (a vegetarian option) with smoked garlic, black fig, and
gorgonzola. The crust was perfectly crispy; the smoked garlic added a nice, but
not overwhelming garlic accent, and the tang of the gorgonzola complemented the
sweet figs.

Next, entrees. I had the
opportunity to try the Street Tacos (a gluten free option) with avocado, cojita
cheese, tomatillo salsa, sour cream and ansari bean. This entrée came with a
choice of either grass-fed steak or striped bass. I chose the grass-fed steak
and admi that it’s nice to see grass-fed meats on a restaurant menu; a great
option for those who enjoy meat but are looking to watch their saturated
fat/cholesterol intake. The beef was tender and flavorful and the cheese and
avocado really tied the dish together.

In addition to the Street Tacos,
I had the Red Chili Shrimp made with sesame noodles, gai lan, spinach, and
shiitake mushrooms (gluten-free diners can substitute shirataki noodles to make
the dish gluten free). The noodles and shrimp were both prepared beautifully
and the dish seasoned well; I wouldn’t have minded a little more spiciness to it,
but overall it was quite delicious. It was about this time that I was ready for
another cocktail, and this time I chose the Thai Grapefruit Martini with
Prairie Organic Vodka, Thai Basil, and Grapefruit. This cocktail was less sweet
than my first cocktail and went well with my dish.

Somehow, I managed to find room
for dessert and chose the Squash Pie, which was accompanied by a healthy amount
of Coconut Whipped Cream. A dead ringer for pumpkin pie, this was sweet and
spicy at the same time and the unexpected flavor of coconut really complemented
the pie.

True Food Kitchen is designed with
sustainability in mind; the restaurant features lots of wood and green tones
and incorporates eco-friendly materials such as hardwood floors made of reclaimed
wood, and dining chairs made of recycled soda bottles. All of these bright,
welcoming design aspects come together at the back of the restaurant featuring
a large, open kitchen. The Mosaic District location also features a covered
patio for seasonal dining and – one feature that I love – an “outdoor bar”
where guests can sit outside the restaurant on the patio and face the inside
bar. I can definitely see myself at one of those bar stools in the future!

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